I
I nursed it in my bosom while it lived,I hid it in my heart when it was dead;In joy I sat alone, even so I grievedAlone and nothing said.
I shut the door to face the naked truth,I stood alone—I faced the truth alone,Stripped bare of self-regard or forms or ruthTill first and last were shown.
I took the perfect balances and weighed;No shaking of my hand disturbed the poise; 10Weighed, found it wanting: not a word I said,But silent made my choice.
None know the choice I made; I make it still.None know the choice I made and broke my heart,Breaking mine idol: I have braced my willOnce, chosen for once my part.
I broke it at a blow, I laid it cold,Crushed in my deep heart where it used to live.My heart dies inch by inch; the time grows old,Grows old in which I grieve. 20